Disability campaigners urge Andy Burnham to delay assisted dying bill

Disabled and terminally ill campaigners are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to delay the introduction of assisted dying legislation in England and Wales. The group, Assist Us To Live, expressed concerns in an open letter, stating that current social and palliative care systems are failing vulnerable individuals. They argue that proceeding with assisted dying legislation under these circumstances could endanger the lives of sick and disabled people.

The push for reform comes as the House of Commons prepares to debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, proposed by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, on September 11. Burnham has indicated that funding for palliative and social care should be prioritized before any assisted dying measures are considered. While the government is expected to remain neutral on the bill, Burnham's comments suggest he personally opposes it unless significant improvements in care services are made.

Supporters of the bill contend that enhancing care services and granting terminally ill individuals greater autonomy over their end-of-life choices should go hand in hand. The proposed law would allow adults over 18 with a terminal diagnosis expected within six months to seek assistance in ending their own lives, with safeguards in place. However, critics highlight the potential risks to disabled individuals, claiming that societal pressures could lead them to feel compelled to choose assisted dying.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has raised alarms about the legislation's impact on vulnerable populations, particularly older and disabled individuals. Baroness Falkner, the commission's chair, warned that although the bill includes safeguards against coercion, societal attitudes and inadequate support could lead to premature decisions about ending life. Edwards maintains that there is ample time to improve end-of-life care before any assisted dying services would be implemented, as the previous debates outlined a four-year timeline for changes.